Packaging apparatus



R. E. MILLER ETAL. 3,276,487

PACKAGING APPARATUS 5 Sheecs-Sheefl l Oct. 4, 1966 original Filed July18, 1,960

Oct. 4, 1966 R. E. MILLER ETAL PACKAGING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2Original Filed July 18, 1960 Oct. 4, 1966 R. E. MVxLLER ETAL PACKAGINGAPPARATUS origial Filed July 18, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct. 4, 1966 R.E. MILLER r-:TAL

PACKAG ING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed July 18, 1960 an 0FMWN @www a, mfw. 0 VMM@ 5% C j,

JMW

Oct. 4, 1966 R. E. MILLER ETAL 3,275,487

PACKAGING APPARATUS Original Filed July 18, l960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 im(VM/0l )mi fjf2 6564,40 D. WY/V/V JMW/XM@ @2Q/@ww United States Patent O3,276,487 PACKAGING APPARATUS Roland E. Miller, Orangeville, and CarmenG. Tumino, Elk Grove Village, Ill., and Gerald D. Wynn, Stone Mountain,Ga., assignors to National Dairy Products Corporation, Chicago, Ill., acorporation of Delaware Original application July 18, 1960, Ser. No.43,490, now Patent No. 3,128,986, dated Apr. 14, 1964. Divided and thisapplication July 23, 1963, Ser. No. 297,093 4 Claims. (Cl. 141--242)This application is a division of application Serial Number 43,490, nowU.S. Patent No. 3,128,986.

This invention relates generally to apparatus for packaging flowablematerials, and more particularly, the invention relates to apparatus forsimultaneously charging a predetermined quantity of fluid or semi-fluidmaterial into a plurality of receptacles which are supplied to the:apparatus in single le and which leave .the apparatus in single le.

There has existed for many years, especially in the food packagingfield, a need for a lling apparatus which is capable of charging aplurality of receptacles during each cycle of operation, and which isalso capable of ready conversion rfor operation with receptacles ofvarious sizes and volumes. In this last mentioned particular, it is mostdesirable that the apparatus be capable of delivering a uniformlyaccurate charge for each receptacle when operating at any point withinits overall volumetric range of operation.

Any such machine in the food packaging field should also be capable ofoperating with a high degree of cleanliness, i.e., without splashing,leaking, dripping, or other- Wise Wasting, in or on the apparatus, thematerial being dispensed. Cleanliness of operation is generallyimportant not only from sanitation and economic standpoints, but is alsodesirable from the standpoint of maintaining the apparatus in goodworking condition so as to reduce maintenance costs. In addition, whenthe material being dispensed is a comestible, the components of theapparatus which come into contact with the material are preferablycapable of ready disassembly and reassembly to permit their thoroughcleansing.

Moreover, it is most desirable that such apparatus be capable ofincorporation in a -line of machinery adapted for automatic orsemi-automatic mass production. In this regard, one of the most commonpractices is to convey receptacles between packaging stations in asingle tile which is most often continuously advanced to reduce wear onthe conveying equipment.

Accordingly, one of the principal objects of the invention is theprovision of packaging apparatus for simultaneously charging a pluralityof receptacles with a lill of flowable material.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision of mechanismfacilitating the simultaneous filling of a plurality of receptacles witha quantitatively uniform charge, which uniform quantity can be variedover a wide range.

A further principal object of the invention is the provision of a novelvalve mechanism. An additional object of the invention is the provisionof a valve mechanism which includes inexpensively fabricated componentsand which can be readily assembled and disassembled to -facilitate itscleansing.

A still further principal object of the invention is the provision of amechanism for transferring receptacles from the end of Ione conveyor andto an adjacent conveyor.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of apparatusincluding a dispensing device Which will not drip or otherwise splatterthe apparatus with the material being dispensed.

Other additional objects and advantages of the invention Vwill becomeapparent by reference to the following description, and the accompanyingdrawings (5 sheets) of one embodiment of the invention, in which:

FIGURE l is a side elevational view which is broken away tand partiallysectioned to more clearly illustrate the arrangement and cooperationbetween the various components of the disclosed packaging apparatus;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary view, partially in section, showing =a portionof the apparatus of FIGURE 1 at another stage in the operational cycleof the apparatus;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIGURE 1, withcertain parts omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view which is taken alongline 4-4 of FIGURE 1, and Which is broken away to more clearlyillustrate the relation between the various parts of the apparatus;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of a portion ofvarious of the components of the valve mechanism;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged `fragmentary view of the connection `between oneof the piston rods and the crosshead of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the dispensing portion of the:apparat-us shown in FIGURE 1, the valve mechanism being shown inposition for charging the cylinders;

FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 7 showing the valve mechanism inits discharge position;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged end view of the valve mechanism incorporated inthe apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged top plan view, with portions broken away,showing the construction of the transfer mechanism incorporated in thedisclosed apparatus;

FIGURE 12 is a diagrammatioal view, partly in section, showing thelocation =of the components of the transfer mechanism during advancementof the pusher conveyor;

FIGURES 13 and 14 illustrate subsequent stages in the operation of thetransfer mechanism during the dwell of the pusher conveyor;

FIGURE 1.5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 15-15 ofFIGURE 3;

FIGURE 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary plan view, taken along the line16-16 of FIGURE 3; and

FIGURE 17 is an enlarged sectional view, t-aken along the line 17-17 orfFIGURE 3.

The apparatus illustrated in the drawings is particularly suited forsimultaneous charging of measured amounts of fluid or semi-duidmaterials, such as jelly and mayonnaise, into a plurality ofreceptacles, such as glass jars or the like, which receptacles are fedto and removed from the apparatus in single file by conventional supplyand output conveyors (not shown). In addition, the disclosed apparatusfacilitates accurate quantitative lcontrol of the flowable materialbeing dispensed; incorporates a novel valve construction which isespecially inexpensive and can be readily disassembled and reassembledfor cleaning; eliminates leakage and drippage; and provides .aneffective arrangement `for transferring receptacles from a transverselyadvancing single file to a series of longitudinally advancing transverserows, each row including a plurality of receptacles which aresimultaneously charged, and for subsequently re-establisl'ling thereceptacles in single le for transverse advancement from the apparatus.

Basically, the apparatus comprises a frame 11 mounting a longitudinallyand intermittently advancing pusher conveyor 13 which receivessuccessive transverse rows of receptacles or jars 15 (FIG. 11) from aninput conveyor 17, and which transports the rows of receptacles to afilling mechanism 19. The conveyor 13 also discharges the filledreceptacles 15 to .a transversely disposed discharge conveyor 21 bymeans of a transfer mechanism 23. The operation -of the variousmechanisms and conveyors `is powered and coordinated by a power or drivemechanism 25 which is carried by the frame 11 and includes a main drivemotor or power means 27, a main drive shaft 29, and an auxiliary driveshaft 31. For purposes of convenience in the following description, theinput conveyor end of the apparatus will be referred to as the rear, andthe discharge conveyor end of ,the apparatus will be referred to as thefront.

The frame 11, as seen in FIGURES 1 and 3, is generally rectangular andincludes la pair of side plates 33 which are each rigidified by upperand lower lengthwise side rails 35 and 37, and which are spaced apart byvarious structural elements including a series of lower channel beams39, 41, and 43, a vertically centrally located channel bea-m and anglebar 47. The frame is supported by a number `of vertically adjustableshoes or pads 49 which permit levelling of the apparatus.

Pusher conveyor The pusher conveyor 13 is carried by the frame 11 andincludes a top plate or platform 101 which is supported by the upperlengthwise rails 35 `and which includes a raised bed 102 (FIGURE 3) -forsupporting the transverse rows of receptacles 15 (FIGURES ll-14) duringltheir travel to and from the filling mechanism 19. In addition, thepusher conveyor 13 also includes an endless series of spaced aparttransversely extending push bars 103 (FIGURE 1) carried by anintermittently propelled, transversely spaced pair of endless chains 105which are each trained, in part, about front and rear end sprockets 107and 109 to locate the upper run 111 of the push bars 103 in overlyingrelation to the platform bed 102, so that the receptacles 15 are pushedalong from the rear to the front of the platform 101. The sprockets 107.and 109 are respectively carried by shafts 113 and journalled inbearings supported by the side plates 33. Power for intermittentlyadvancing the push bars 103 is supplied through the shaft 113 from thepower mechanism 25, as will be explained.

. As the illustrated apparatus is adaptable for use with various sizereceptacles having different base proportions, there is preferablyprovided, for removable mounting on the platform and beneath the upperrun of ,the pusher conveyor, a series of groups of guide rails 117 (seeFIG- URE 3), each group being provided for one or more different sizereceptacles having similar base proportions, and each group, whenmounted on the platform 101, defining a series of pathways forconducting the receptacles 15 in each transverse row into properposition relative to the filling mechanism 19.

At the rearward end of the apparatus, the upper run 111 -of the pushbars 103 is carried in adjacent overlying relation to 4the upper run ofthe input conveyor 17. This conveyor 17 comprises a plurality of linkbelts 119 which are situated in transversely extending, side-by-siderelationship and which can be arranged to deliver receptacles fromeither side of .the apparatus. Preferably, the input conveyor 17constitutes an unconnected extension to the previously mentioned supplyconveyor (not shown). A star wheel (not shown) is preferably interposedbetween .the input conveyor 17 and the supply conveyor `and integratedin any suitable manner with the operation of the pusher conveyor 13 topermit passage of the receptacles 15 to the input conveyor only duringthe temporary halt 4or dwell of the pusher conveyor 13 and to limit thenumber of receptacles passed to the input -conveyor during each dwell.In the disclosed embodiment, six receptacles 4are passed to the inputconveyor during each dwell of the pusher conveyor.

The input conveyor 17 is driven by the drive mechanisrn 25, as will beexplained hereinafter, at a constant speed, preferably at a rate whichwill space the receptacles along the upper run of the input conveyorduring the dwell time of the pusher conveyor. Thus, after sixreceptacles are passed to the input conveyor by the star wheel, thepusher conveyor 13 advances, sweeping the receptacles 15 from the inputconveyor 17 -ont-o the platform 101, where lthe receptacles are pushedalong the pathways provided by the guide rails 117 until positionedunder the filling mechanism 19. Preferably, guard rails (not shown) aremounted adjacent the edges of the pusher conveyor, with the guard railat the far edge from the star wheel extending across the input conveyorto prevent over travel of the receptacles on the input conveyor.

Filling mechanism The filling mechanism 19 comprises a series ofdispensers, each of which is fed from a common hopper 151 and iscontrolled, at least in part, by a common valve mechanism 153. Inaddition, each of the dispensers incorporates means including a cylinder155 having a piston 157 operably movable therein to admit, incooperation with the valve mechanism 153, a measured amount of fiowablematerial and to subsequently discharge the material through a flexiblespout 159 into a receptacle 15 positioned thereunder by the pusherconveyor 13. Means are also provided for making common and individualadjustments to the stroke length of the pistons, to convert theapparatus for operation with receptacles of different sizes and toprovide for uniformity in the quantities being discharged. There is alsoprovided means associated with the filling mechanism to prevent loss ofthe material being dispensed by dripping, splashing, etc. and to avoidthe unsanitary conditions which would otherwise be created. Thismechanism includes a lift table 161, which rises out of a positioncoplanar with the platform 101 to elevate the receptacles 15 for entrytherein of the spouts 159 so as to prevent splashing of the materialbeing dispensed. In addition, there is included a squeeze device 163common to each of the dispensers for closing off the spouts 159 duringadvancement of the pusher conveyor 13, thereby substantially preventingdripping of the material being dispensed on the apparatus. Operation ofthe valve mechanism 153, pistons 157, 'lift table 161, and squeezedevice 163, is controlled and coordinated by the drive mechanism 25.

Considering the construction of the filling mechanism 19 in greaterdetail, the mechanism as a whole is mounted on a sub-frame supported bythe upper pair of side rails 35 mounted on the side plates 33. Thesub-frame 175 includes a cross beam 177 upon which the hopper 151 ismounted and on the underside of which there is carried a housing 179supporting the cylinders 155 and including the valve mechanism 153.

When dispensing jellies or other comestibles which exhibit a tendencytoward settling, an agitating screw 181, such as seen in FIGURE 4, canbe included in the hopper 151 to maintain the homogeneity of the.commodity being dispensed. The agitating screw 181 is transverselydisposed and suitably journalled in bearings 182 mounted on each of theend walls of the hopper 151. Drivinglj, connected to the agitating screw181 is a motor 183 (FIG. 3) supported by a bracket 185 secured to thesubframe 175. Suitable gaskets or seals 187 are provided at each of thebearings 182 to prevent seepage of the material out of the hopper.

The housing 179 secured to the underside of the cross beam 177 includesan elongated chamber or bore 189 which, as seen in FIGURES 4, 7, and 8,is cylindrical, but could be of other geometric configurations. Spacedlaterally along the bore are a series of groups of ports, one group foreach dispenser. Each group includes in angularly spaced relationship, asseen especially in FIGURES 7 and 8, an upwardly opening intake port 191communicating with the hopper 151 through an adjacent aperture in thecross beam 177, a downwardly extending discharge port 193, and a thirdor side port leading to one of the cylinders 155. A suitable O ring 197(FIGURE 7) is provided in surrounding relation to the intake port 191 toprevent leakage between the housing 179 and the cross beam 177.

Rotatably carried within the bore 189 of the housing 179 is the valvemechanism or means 153 which includes a main valve element 201 and aninflatable member or means 207 which can be supplied with pressure fluidso as to seal the valve element 201 tightly against the wall of the bore189 in the housing 179. In the disclosed construction, there is alsoincluded a pair of auxiliary elements 203 which, taken together with themain element 201, define an axial recess or cavity 205 therebetween inwhich is confined the inflatable member 207.

Regarding the valve elements 201 and 203, these elements Vare preferablyfabricated with resilient bore engaging surfaces which are alsodesirably self-lubricating. These characteristics can be readily andeconomically obtained by fabricating the elements 201 and 203 fromplastic materials, such as nylon or Teflon. The construction of the boreengaging faces of the valve elements 201 and 203 with resilient surfacespermits close conformance of the valve elements to the Wall of the boreregardless of irregularities in either of the contacting faces, and alsopermits fabrication of the valve elements to less exacting tolerancesthan would be necessary with metal surfaced valve elements. In addition,the self-lubricating qualities of Teflon and nylon contribute to thesmooth operation of the valve mechanism, while their wearingcharacteristics facilitate close and intimate sealing contact of thebore engaging surfaces of the valve elements 201 and 203 with the Wallof the bore 189 even after protracted usage. The main valve element 201constitutes a rotatable rod or bar having end portions 209 (see FIG- URE4) and 211 (see FIGURE 9) of circular cross section and an intermediateor central portion 213 having a generally half-round cross section (seeFIGURE 5) with a at diametric surface 214 and a bore engaging surface215 having a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of the bore189 in the housing 179. Spaced along the central portion 213 are aseries of cut-outs or passageways 217 which open into the surface 215.Each passageway is adapted to selectively connect one of the side ports195 to either of the associated intake or discharge ports 191 or 193.

In the disclosed construction, a pair of auxiliary valve elements 203are employed, which elements are generally identical except for beingleft and right handed. Each element has a length corresponding to thelength of the central portion 213 of the main valve element 201 and isretained between the end portions 209 and 211 of the main valve element.The valve elements 203 are each generally of quarter-round cross sectionhaving side surfaces 218 and a curved bore-engaging surface 219 (seeFIGURES 7 and 8) with a radius corresponding to that of the bore 189 inthe housing 179. Each auxiliary element 203 also includes at the apex ofthe side surfaces 218, a lengthwise notched corner 221, which cornerscooperate With each other to provide the cavity 205 containing theinflatable member 207. Alignment of the auxiliary elements 203 with themain element 201 for easy assembly into the bore 189 is facilitated bysuitable means including the provision of a step 223 (see FIG- URE 5),extending along each side edge of the fiat surface 214 of the centralportion 213 of the main valve element 201, and by a cooperating lip 225extending longitudinally of one of the side surfaces 218 of each of theauxiliary valve members 203.

The inflatable member 207 can be fabricated of conformable andresiliently stretchable material, such as rubber -or other `syntheticresin. As shown in FIGURE 9, the inflatable member 207 constitutes anelongated tube 225 of rectangular cross section. The tube 226 is closedat one end and has a neck 227 at the other end, seen to the right inFIGURE 9, through ewhich air or other fluid can be forced to establish adesired pressure within the tube.

When iniiated, the tube 226 conforms to the shape of the cavity 20S,transmitting equal forces in. all directions, thereby tightly seatingthe curved surfaces 215 and 219 of the valve elements 201 and 203against the adjoining Wall of the bore 189. In this last regard, afiller 229 of rigid material is used to bridge the gap between theauxiliary valve elements 203, thereby preventing entry of t-he tube 226therebetween and thereby also taking maximum advantage of the forcesdirected perpendicularly to the iiat surface 2|14 of the central portioni213 of the main valve element 201.

As seen at the drive side of the valve mechanism 153, i.e., `to the leftin FIGURE 4, the cylindrical end portion `209 `of the main valve element201 includes an annular groove housing an O ring 231 and extendsoutwardly of the adjacent end of the housing 179, .incorporating aiiange 233 which is retained between the housing @179 and a threaded cap235 to prevent axial displacement of the valve elements 201 and 203within -the bore of the housing. At its extreme outer end, the endportion 209 of the valve element 201 is lfixed to a cnank 237 connectedwith power means in the form of the drive mechanism 25.

At its other end, as seen in FIGURE 9, the end portion 211 `is ofreduced radius as compared to the bore 189 and has suitably 'fixedthereto, as by a bolt 239, an end cap 241 which car-ries an O ring 243`sealing this end of the valve mechanism 1513. The neck 227 of theinflatable tube 226 extends through a bore in the end portion 211 andthrough an aperture in the end cap 241, the neck 212-7 being connectedwith a suitable source 242 `of pressure air including a pressureregulator 2414 and a filter (not shown).

The disclosed construction facilitates disassembly of the valvemechanism `for cleaning. In this regard, after the end cap 241 isdisconnected from the main valve element 201, the tube 226 is uncoupledfrom the pressure regulator 242, the cap 235 at the other end isdisconnected from the housing 179, the connection of the crank 237 withthe drive mechanism is broken and the valve elements 201 and 203,together with the tube 226 and filler 229, are then slid to the left .inFIGUR-E 3, and out of the bore 189. In reassembly, the valve elements201 and 203, together with the tube 226 and filler 229, can be looselyassembled and reinserted in the bore 189, after which the various4connections just mentioned can be reestablished to return the valvemechanism to Working order.

In operation, lthe main valve element 201 is rocked in coordination withthe other components of the apparatus to establish communication betweenthe intake ports 191 -and the side ports 195, thereby permitting passageof the material being dispensed into the cylinders incident `towithdrawal of the pistons 157. When the pistons 15'7 are at theirextreme outer positions, the main valve element 201 is rocked to closeoff the intake ports 191 (FIGURE 8) and to establish communicationbetween the side ports and the discharge ports .193. Thus, thesubsequent inward stroke of the pistons 157 will eject a measured amountof the material through the discharge ports 193 and attached spouts`159.

The cylinders 155 constitute open ended tubular sections, each having amounting ange 2'45 (see FIGURE 4) at its inner end. The cylinders 1155are mounted to the housing i179 by straps or bars 247 which are boltedto the housing in partially overlying engagement with the flanges 245.An O ring 249 (see FIGURE 7) is seated between each of the cylinders 155and the housing 179 to prevent leakage.

As previously noted, means are included in the illustrated .fillingapparatus for accurately adjusting the quantity discharged from era-chof the cylinders 155 to insure quantitative uniformity of the materialdischarged and to accommodate conversion of the apparatus for operationwith receptacles of different volumes. These adjustments are made byutilizing -cylinders 155 of different sizes, by

varying the size of the pistons '157 to accommodate the size of thecylinders, and by varying the stroke length of the pistons. In this lastregard, the disclosed arrangement provides both for common adjustment ofthe stroke length for all pistons and for individual adjustment of thestroke length of each piston '157.

In general, each of the pistons 157 `(see EIGURE 1) is c-onnected to arod 251 which, in turn, is conne-cted to a common oscillating crosshead253 in a manner permitting individual variation in the stroke of theseveral pistons. The crosshead 253 is of U-shape and has its legs 254keyed to a rock shaft 255 so that it oscillates to both sides of anupright position. The shaft 255 is carried in bearings mounted on theside plates 33 of t-he `frame 11 and is rocked by a crank 257 which ispivotally connected to a rod 259 extending from an eccentric 261 carriedon and driven by the main drive shaft 29 of the drive mechanism y25. Theeccentric 261 can be adjusted to vary the throw of the crosshead I253,thereby affecting a common adjustment to the stroke length of eachpiston 1-57.

As seen in FIGURE 15, the eccentric 261 comprises a split .collar orcasing including an upper half-case section 2163, having a threadedconnection with the lower end of the rod 259, and a lower half-casesection 265 which is joined to the upper section 263, as by cap screws264 or the like. The casing generally encloses a ring 267 which isrotatable therein and which has mounted thereon a pair of parallelspaced apart bars 269, each :having a rack 271 on its outer face. Keyedto the rnain drive shaft 29 and slidably carried between the bars 269 is.a block 273 which supports a shaft 275 which is disposed transverselyof the main drive shaft 29 and has a pinion 277 at each end in mesh withone of the racks 27'I1. In its center, the block 273 is apertured toreceive a pinion 279 carried centrally on the shaft 275 in engagementwith a lgear rack 281 which is accessible through a slot in the maindrive shaft 29 and is cut linto the end of va shaft 283 extendingaxially within one end of the main drive shaft 29.

Outwardly of the main drive shaft |29, as seen in FIG- URE 3, the shaft283 is connected by a coupling 285 to an adjusting screw 287 supportedby a 'bracket 289. The adjusting screw 287 includes a hand wheel 2911 atits outer end which is manually operable to adjust the `shaft 283 andthereby rotate the pinions 277. The rotation of the latter causes thespaced bars 269, together with the ring 267 'and surrounding casing, tomove radially of the main drive shaft 29, thereby adjustably locatingthe ring 267 so as to provide the eccentric 261 with a selected throwwhich, in turn, determines the extent of oscillating movement of thecrosshead 253. The adjusting screw 287 can be locked against axialmovement by 4a locking nut 293 (FIGURE 3) having a handle l295.

FDhe throw or stroke of each of the pistons C157 can be varied rela-tiveto one an-other by the arrangement or means rutilized to interconnectthe various connecting rods 251 with the crosshead i253. In thedisclosed construction, this is laccomplished by an Varrangementpermitting individual variation in the radial distance between the rockshaft 255 land the connection of each of the rods 251 to the crosshead253, thereby 'facilitating individual adjustment of the ystroke lengthof the pistons 157. In this regard, as seen in FIGURES 3 and 6, thecrosshead 253 includes a series of box-like openings 297, each of whichopenings has located the-rein an adjusting screw 299. IEach adjustingscrew has a central threaded portion 3011 carrying a bifurcated guide303 which is pivotally connected to one of the piston rods 251. Inaddition, each adjiusting screw 299 includes an Unthreaded upper portion305 which extends through an upper bore in the crosshead 253 an is keyedto a hand knob 307. At their lower ends, each screw 299 has a shank 309of reduced diameter which extends through a lower bore and which definesa shoulder 3111 engageable with the lower wall of the opening 297.Extending through the crosshead 253 t-o the lower bore is a lockingmeans, ysuch as the illustrated socket head screw 313, which isengageable with the shank 309 to lock the adjusting screw 299. At itslower end, the shank 309 extends ibeyond the crosshead 253 and issuitably yfixed to a collar 315 to prevent unwanted vertical movement ofthe adjusting screw 299 relative to the crosshead 253.

-Each of the guides 303, one of which -is threadalbly carried by each ofthe adjusting screws 2299, includes means for preventing rotation of theg-uide with the adjusting screw 299 and for insuring radial movementrelative to the rock shaft 255 Aw-hen the adjusting screw 299 isrotated. In the illustrated embodiment, this means comprises a channel317 on each of the side faces of the yguide yfor receiving the sidewalls of one o-f the openings 297. Thus, adjustment of one of the screws299 will cause movement of the connected guide 303 radially of the rockshaft 255 and will cause an alternation in the effective stroke lengthof the associated piston l157.

Each of the spouts l159 through which the material is delivered from thevalve mechanism 153 to the receptacles 15 is constituted by a tube ofresiliently fiexible material, such as vinyl plastic or rubber, which istelescopically -ftted over a supporting sleeve 319, as seen in FIGUR'E4. The sleeve 319 is threaded or otherwise suitably secured to thehousing 179 in communication with one of the discharge ports 193. Thespouts `159 are each retained on the sleeves 319 by suitable means, suchas an elastic washer or O ring 321, which contractively surrounds thespout and forcibly seats a portion of the spout in an annular groove3123 provided in the sleeve above its lower end.

Sp'lashing of the discharged material, as it leaves the spouts -1'59 andenters the receptacles 15, is su-bstantially eliminated by theincorporation of the lift table 161 'whi-oh, as shown in FIGURES 1 .and2, is located under the housing 179 and within a transversely extendingopening in the platform 101. The lift table 161 constitutes a plate yorshelf 325 which is carried by a vertical support 327. In turn, thesupport 327 is slidably carried for vertical reciprocal movement betweena pair of transversely spaced guide rails 329 which are fxedly mountedon the central channel beam 45 of the frame 11. The support 327 isconnected to the drive mechanism 25 in a manner to be described later inthe description, so as to provide vertical reciprocal movement of thelift table 161.

In operation, the lift table 161 is raised, after receipt o-f a row ofreceptacles 15 yfrom the pusher conveyor 13 and during the dwell of thepusher conveyor '13, from a lower position coplanar with the platform101 to an ele- Ivated position in which each of the spouts 159 entersdeeply into one of the receptacles 15 (see FIGURE 2). As the leve-l ofthe material being dispensed rises in the receptacles, the lift table161 lowers, thereby maintaining the lower ends of the spouts 159 inclose relation to the top surface of the dispensed material, so as tominimize splashing or splattering and to contain such splas ing orsplattering Iwhich does exist within the receptacle 15.

As the filling of the receptacles approaches completion, the continuedlowering of the lift table 161 causes emergence of the spouts 159 fromthe receptacles, and the lower ends of the spouts are then tightly andquickly closed by the squeeze device 163 to prevent wasteful andunsanitary dripping of the material on the receptacles and apparatuswhen the receptacles 15 are advanced from the lift table 161 bycontinuance of the operation of the pusher c011- veyor 13.

The squeeze device 163 which tightly closes off the lower ends of thespouts 159 comprises a pair of transverse angle members 331 (FIGURES land 2), each of which is adjustably supported at its ends by a pair ofarms 335 fixed to a rock shaft 337 that is journalled in bearingsmounted on the side plates 33 of the frame 11.

The shafts 337 are rocked toward and then away from each other by thedrive mechanism 25, as will be explained, so that when the lift table161 is in its lowered position, the squeeze device 163 is moved intotightly squeezing engagement with the lower ends of the fieXible spouts159.

As seen particularly in FIGURES 16 and 17, at least one of the anglemembers 331 is provided with means for compensating for misalignment ofthe pair of angle members 331, differences in the flexibility of thespouts 159, etc., in order to insure proper closing of each spout 159 asthe angle members 331 are brought into squeeezing engagement with thespouts 159. More particularly, a plurality of bars 339 are eachadjustably mounted on the lower flange of one angle member 331, inposition for engagement of the forward edge 341 thereof with one of thefiller spouts 159 to press the latter against the edge of the horizontalange portion of the other angle member 331, as seen in FIGURE 1. Each ofthe bars 339 is generally centrally located with respect to one of theller spouts 159, and the bar includes a transverse groove or recess 343at each of its opposite ends. Each bar is adjustably held in place by apair of cap screws 345 or the like which are secured to the lower angeof the angle member 331, by means of suitable threaded openings in thelatter, with an intermediate portion of each screw disposed in therecess 343. In order to facilitate adjustment of the individual bars 339and proper alignment thereof relative to the associated filler spout159, each bar is also provided at its rear edge with a pair ofspaced-apart compression springs 347 which urge the bar forwardly of theangle member 331. Each spring is held in place by means of a stud 349 onthe rear edge of bar 339 and a recess 351 on the forward face of amember 353 which extends generally the length of angle member 331 and isfixed thereto, as by welding. The bars 339 may be made of metal, hardrubber, plastic, or other suitable material having suflicient rigidityto serve the described purpose.

Thus it is seen that there is provided independently adjustable squeezemeans for each of the spouts 159, so that if one of the spouts is beingimproperly closed off through action of the squeeze device 163, thefailure can be remedied without disrupting the proper function of thesqueeze device with respect to the other filler spouts. In the operationof the squeeze device 163, as the lift table 161 rises to receive thespouts within the receptacles 15, the angle members 331 are swung awayfrom each other to a retracted position permitting free passage of thedispensed material through the tiller spouts 159. During lowering of thelift table 161, the angle members 331 approach each other so that thelower ends of the spouts 159 are squeezed closed as the receptacles 15-are filled and lowered to a position free of the ends of the spouts.

After -charging of the receptacles 15, they are intermittently advancedby the pusher conveyor 13 until transferred to the discharge conveyor 21by the transfer mechanism 23.

T ransfer mechanism At the forward end of the pusher conveyor 13, thetransverse rows of receptacles 15 are succesively transferred by themechanism 23 (FIGURES l and 11-14) to the transversely disposeddischarge conveyor 21. This conveyor 21 discharges the receptacles 15 insingle file to an output conveyor (not shown) for transportation to thenext station which, for instance, might be a capping station. Thetransfer mechanism 23 comprises a movable transfer table 401 (FIGURE 11)located at the forward or delivery end of the main platform 101 forreceipt therefrom of a single transverse row of receptacles 15, and atransfer bar or push means 403 movable relative to the table 401 forremoval of the row of receptacles 15 from the table to the dischargeconveyor 21. Power for operating the transfer mechanism 23 incoordination with the other components of the apparatus is supplied bythe drive mechanism 25. In this regard, the arrangement for driving thetransfer mechanism 23 provides, as will be seen from the description ofthe drive mechanism, for positive control of the movement of thereceptacles with a minimum of shock during transfer.

More particularly, the table 401 has a length, measured along thedirection of travel of the pusher conveyor 13, less than the distancebetween the delivery end of the platform 101 and the adjacent edge ofthe discharge conveyor 21. The table 401 `is movable between a firstposition (FIGURE 12), adjacent to and generally co-planar with thedelivery end of the platform 101 and a second position (FIGURE 13),adjacent to and generally coplanar with the adjacent edge of thedischarge conveyor 21. When in the first position, the table is locatedto receive `and support a transverse row of receptacles 15 from theplatform 101, incident to advancement of one of the push bars 103accompanying one step of the forward intermittent movement of the pusherconveyor 13. At such time, the leading edge of the table 401 is disposedin spaced relation to the discharge conveyor 21 to permit downwardmovement therebetween of the preceding push bar 103 as it reaches theend of the upper run of the conveyor 13. As the table 401 moves into itssecond position, the transverse row of receptacles 15 on the table 401is transferred to the discharge conveyor 21 by the transfer bar 403.

The transfer bar 403 is movable from a retracted position, when thetable 401 is in its first position, along the direction of travel of thetable to remove the transverse row of receptacles 15 from the 'tablewhen it is in its second position. More particularly, the transfer bar403 moves with the table 401 during movement of the latter toward thedischarge conveyor 21. After the table 401 H reaches its second positionadjacent the discharge conveyor, the transfer bar moves across the tableto carry the row of receptacles to the discharge conveyor.

In the illustrated construction, as shown in FIGURES 11 through 14, thetransfer bar 403 constitutes a transverse angle bar mounted at the upperends of a pair of shafts or rods 407. Each of the rods 407 is carried ina bearing or guideway 409 supported at the forward end of a slide orplate 411. In turn, the slide is carried by a pair of transverselyspaced guide blocks 413 (FIGURE 11) located under the platform 101 andis suitably connected at its rearward end to the power mechanism 25 forhorizontal reciprocating movement. The guide blocks 413 are mounted on apair of longitudinally spaced support beams 415 (FIGURE 12) secured tothe frame 11.

At their lower ends, each of the shafts 407 carries a follower 417 (seeFIGURES 12 through 14) which is located in a cam slot provided in alongitudinally extending block 421. Both of the blocks 421 are suitablymounted to the support beams 415 and are additionally braced by crossbraces 423. Each of the cam slots 419 has a rearward end which islocated to position the horizontal leg of the transfer bar 403 in itsretracted position which is co-planar with and intermediate of thedelivery end of the platform 101 and the table 401. From this rearwardend, the cam slot includes rst an upwardly and forwardly inclined leg427 and then a generally forwardly horizontal leg 42.9. Thus, when theslide 411 is moved forwardly, the transfer bar 403 has a commonhorizontal movement therewith plus some vertical movement which raisesthe angle bar out of the plane of the table 401 for subsequent travel inoverlying relation thereto.

The table 401 is carried at the forward end of a pair of transverselyspaced bars 431 which are slidable between a pair of longitudinal guides433 (see FIGURE 11) secured to the upper surface of the slide 411. Attheir rearward ends, the bars 431 are connected by a. cross bar 435which is biased forwardly by suitable means including a pair oftransversely spaced tension springs 437 connected .between the cross bar435 and a pair of fixed lugs 439 depending from the platform 101. For-Ward movement of the table 401 relative to the slide 411 is prevented byan adjustable stop means 441 (see FIG- URE 11) xed on the slide 411 inposition for engagement with the cross bar 435. In addition, anadjustable stop means 443 depends xedly from the platform 101 inposition for engagement with the cross bar 435 to limit forward movementof the table 401 from its rst to its second position.

Thus, when considering the slide 411 to be initially in its rearwardmostposition, the transfer bar 403 is located co-planar with the table 401adjacent its rearward edge, and the table 401 is retained in its firstposition, as shown in FIGURE l1, against the action of the springs 437,by engagement of the stop means 441 with the cross bar 435. As the slide411 begins its forward movement, the transfer bar 403 and the table 401move forwardly together until the cross bar 435 is engaged by the stopmeans 443 to locate the table 401 in its second position. During thisinitial part of the forward slide movement, the transfer bar 403 iselevated relative to the table 401 by action of the followers 417 in thecam slots 419. Subsequent forward movement of the slide 411 carries thetransfer bar 403 forwardly across the top of the table 401, removing thereceptacles 15 to the discharge conveyor 21. In this regard, the table401 includes a pair of notches 445 which accommodate the forwardmovement of the rods 407 relative to the table.

During the subsequent rearward movement of the slide 411, the transferbar 403 is retracted across the table, and is then lowered intoco-planar relation to the table 401 and the platform bed 102 as it movestogether with the table into adjacent relation to the delivery end ofthe platform 101.

The discharge conveyor 21 comprises an articulated endless link chain447 which is carried transversely at the delivery end of the pusherconveyor 13 by a series of sprockets (not shown) mounted on shafts 449journalled in bearings4 (not shown) secured to the frame 11. The chain447 is driven by the drive mechanism 25, as will `be explained, at aspeed which will remove one row of receptacles 15 before the next row isdelivered thereto by the transfer mechanism 23. In addition, thedischarge conveyor 21 can be arranged and driven to deliver thereceptacles from either side of the apparatus to an output conveyor (notshown) which is independently driven.

Drive mechanism The drive mechanism 25 is supported by the frame 11 andis effective to provide properly coordinated operation of the conveyors,lling mechanism, and transfer means described above. As previouslynoted, the drive mechanism 2S is powered by the drive motor 27 mountedon the channel beam 39. Operation of the motor 27 is regulated bysuitable controls (not shown), and power from the motor is transmittedthrough a clutch (not shown) and through a chain and sprocket drive,indicated generally by the numeral 501, to the main drive shaft 29. Thisshaft 29 is supported adjacent one end by a bearing mounted in a bracket503 (see FIGURE 3) supported on the channel beam 41, and at the otherend by bearings supported in a pair of spaced brackets 505 mounted onthe channel beam 41 on either side of the eccentric 261.

In addition to the eccentric 261 which, as previously pointed out,drives the pistons 157, there is also mounted on the drive shaft 29 aseries of cam disks 507, 509, and 511 for respectively driving andcoordinating the operation of the lift table 161, the valve mechanism153 and the intermittent advancement of the pusher conveyor 13. Inaddition, the main drive shaft 29 is drivingly connected to the`auxiliary drive shaft 31 by a chain and sprocket drive, indicatedgenerally by the numeral 513. The auxiliary drive shaft 31 is journalledin brackets 515 (see FIGURE 1) mounted on the channel beam 43 andsupports a cam yoke 517 (see especially FIGURE 12) which Vreciprocatesthe transfer mechanism 23. Also carried by the auxiliary drive shaft 31is a vratchet and pawl device which is indicated generally by thenumeral 519, which is driven by the cam disk S11 on the main drive shaft29, and which operates to intermittently advance the pusher 4conveyor13. In addition, the discharge conveyor 21 is driven through theauxiliary drive shaft 31.

Considering briey the drive associated with each of the operatingcomponents, the 'lift table 161 is vertically reciprocated throughcooperation of a rocker arm S21 (see FIGURE l) and the cam disk 507. Therocker arm 521, which is pivotally mounted at one end on a bracket 523fixed to the langle bar 47, carries intermediate its ends a follower(not shown) engaged in a cam slot (not shown) provided in the cam disk507, and at its other end is pivotally connected to one end of aconnecting rod 525 of adjustable length. At its other end, the-connecting rod 525 is pivotally secured to the vertical support 327.Adjustment of the vertical throw of the lift table 161 can be obtainedby varying the length of the connecting rod 525.

Considering the squeeze device 163, as seen especially in FIGURES 1 and2, the rock shafts 337 are rocked to swing the angle members 331relative to their closed position by a pair of arms 527 which are xed tothe shafts and have intermeshing teeth disposed on their free ends. Oneof the shafts 337 also has iixed thereto a rocker arm 528, which ispivotally connected at its free end with a longitudinally adjustablelever 530 having a driving connection with the drive mechanism 25.Generally, the lever 530 is -cam driven from a cross shaft 532, in amanner affording properly timed movement of the rocker arm 528 toproduce the described action of the squeeze device 163. A more detailedexplanation of this portion of the drive mechanism is believedunnecessary for a proper understanding of the present invention.

The valve mechanism 153 is rocked by a linkage including a lever 531(see FIGURE 1) which is pivotally supported at its lower end by abracket 533 mounted on the lower rail 37 of the frame 11, as seen to theleft in FIGURE 3. The lever 531 carries a follower 532 (FIG- URE 3)engaged in a cam slot 534 in the cam disk 509, and is pivotallyconnected at its upper end to a connecting rod 535 of adjustable length.In turn, the connecting rod 535 is pivotally .connected at its upper endwith the crank 237 (FIGURE 4) secured to the main valve element 201. Therocking action of the valve mechanism 153 can be adjusted by varying thelength of the connecting rod 535.

The cam yoke 517 which drives the transfer mechanism 23, as shown inFIGURES 1 and 12, incorporates a follower 536 which rides in a cam slot533 in a cam fixed to the auxiliary shaft. In turn, the yoke ispivotally connected, as shown in FIGURE l, through a connecting rod 537of adjustable length to a crank 539 carried by a rock shaft 541journalled in brackets 543 supported by the central channel beam 45.Fixedly carried on the rock shaft 541 are a pair of levers 545, each ofwhich is pivotally connected at its outer end to a connecting rod 547 ofadjustable length which, in turn, is pivotally fixed to the slide -411(see FIGURE 12) of the transfer mechanism 23.

In view of the fact that the reciprocating movement of the slide 411 isprimarily controlled by the action of the follower which is carried bythe yoke 517 in engagement with the cam slot in the cam on the auxiliaryshaft, the rate at which the transfer bar 403 is accelerated anddecelerated can be controlled by laying out the cam slot so that theresultant transfer of receptacles will take place with a minimum ofshock.

As previously noted, the pusher conveyor 13 is intermittently advancedby the ratchet and pawl device 519 carried on the auxiliary shaft 31 andactuated by the cam disk 511. In this connection, the cam disk 511 rocksa lever 549 (see FIGURE 1) which is pivotally carried at its lower endby a bracket 551 carried by the channel beam 41, which carries afollower (not shown) engaged in a cam slot (not shown) on the cam disk511, and which is pivotally connected at its upper end to the rearwardend of a connecting rod 553 of adjustable length. The connecting rod 553is pivotally connected at its forward end to an arm 555 journalled onthe auxiliary shaft 31. Carried by the pivotal connection between therod 553 and the arm 555 is a drive pawl 557 which, during forwardmovement of the connecting rod 553, indexes clockwise a ratchet 559fixed to an outer sleeve 561 disposed coaxially of the auxiliary shaft31 for rotation relative thereto. Movement o'f the sleeve 561counterclockwise is prevented through engagement of the ratchet 559 by asecond or stop pawl 565. The pawl 565 is swung into and out ofengagement with the ratchet by a cam (not shown) carried on theauxiliary shaft 31. The sleeve 561 rotates the front shaft 113 toadvance the pusher conveyor 13 by a chain and sprocket drive, indicatedgenerally by the numeral 567.

The discharge conveyor 21 is continuously driven by the auxiliary `shaft31 through a chain and sprocket drive which is indicated generally bythe numeral 569, and which is drivingly -connected with a miter gear box571. In turn, the miter gear `box `571 powers the discharge conveyor 21through a second chain and sprocket drive which is indicated by thenumeral 573 and is connected to one of the shafts 449.

The input conveyor 17 is continuously driven off the main drive shaft 29by a chain and sprocket drive 575 which is drivingly connected to amiter gear box 577 which, in turn, is drivingly connected to the inputconveyor by a chain and sprocket drive 579.

Summary of operation In operation, the pusher conveyor 13 advances stepby step to sweep six receptacles from the input conveyor 17, and totransport them, as a transverse row, to the lift table 161 located underthe spouts 159. When a row of Vreceptacles 15 is thus positioned, thepusher conveyor 13 dwells, and the lift table 161 then begins to rise.At the same time, the squeeze rods 331 are swung away from one anotherso that the flexible spouts 159 will deliver a charge of flowablematerial in response to operation of the valve mechanism 153 and plstons157.

In this latter regard, while the pusher conveyor 13 was advancing tolocate a row of receptacles 15 on the lift table 161, the valvemechanism 153 was rocked by the drive mechanism 25 to connect thecylinders 155 to the hopper 151, so that, inciden-t to simultaneousrearward displacement of the pistons 157 outwardly of the cylinders 155,a predetermined measured amount of flowable material is admitted intothe cylinders 155.

When the lift table 161 reaches its upper position, the valve mechanism153 is rocked by the drive mechanism 25 to connect the cylinders 155 tothe discharge spouts 159. At the same time, the direction of travel ofthe pistons 157 is reversed and they move forwardly displacing theowable material in the cylinders 155 through the spouts 159 into thereceptacles 15. As the level of the material in the receptacles rises,the table 1-61 is lowered to maintain the bottom of the spouts 159 justabove the level of the material thus far charged into the receptacles.

As the charging approaches completion, the pistons 157 approach theirforwardmost positions and the valve mechanism 153 shuts olf thedischarge spouts 159 from the cylinders 155. Just prior to emergence ofthe spouts from the receptacles incident Ito continued lowering of thetable 161, the squeeze rods 331 swing together to pinch the flexiblespouts 159. This action generally keeps the spouts full of the materialbeing dispensed, thereby assuring constant quantitative charging of thereceptacles, and also acts to prevent dripping from the spouts duringsubsequent movement of the receptacle row from the lift table 161 by thepusher conveyor 13.

During the dwell of `the pusher conveyor 13, while the row ofreceptacles on the lift table is charged, the transfer mechanism 25 alsooperates to transfer one row of previously `filled receptacles 15 fromthe transfer table 401 to the discharge conveyor 21. This operationoccurs incident to movement of the transfer table 451 carrying thereceptacle row into adjacent relation to the: discharge conveyor 21 andincident to movement of the transfer bar 463 across the table 401 tosweep the receptacles onto the discharge conveyor 2'1. When this lattermovement is completed, the transfer bar 403 and table 401 return totheir positions adjacent the delivery end of the platform 161 inpositioin for receipt on the transfer table 4111 of the next row ofreceptacles 15 during the next advancement of the pusher conveyor 13.During this advancement, the preceding push bar 163 passes downwardlybetween the transfer table 401 and the spaced discharge conveyor 21 forsubsequent travel around to the rearward end of the platform 101.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for simultaneously charging variably predeterminedquantities of iiowable material into a plurality of receptacles, saidapparatus comprising a housing including a bore therein, and a series ofcylinders secured to said housing, each of said cylinders having apiston movable lengthwise therein, said bore having a series of groupsof ports in the wall thereof, one of said groups of ports beingassociated with each of said cylinders and each of said groups includinga iirst port communica-ting with a source of flowable material, a secondport -communicating with one of said cylinders, and a discharge port, atleast two valve elements disposed within said bore and each having asurface adapted for engagement with the wall of said bore, one of saidelements having a series of passageways therein with one passageway foreach group of ports, and being selectively movable to connect saidpassageways between said second ports and said rst ports during movementof said pistons in one direction so as to permit entry of a. charge ofiiowa'ble material into each of said cylinders and to connect saidpassageways between said second ports and said discharge ports du-ringmovement of said pistons in the other direction so as to permit`discharge of the charge of material in each of said cylinders, meansconfined intermediate of said elements inwardly of the bore With respectto said surfaces effective to urge said ysurfaces of said elements intosealing engagement with the wall of said bore, and a power mechanismoperably connected to said pistons and said one valve element.

2. Apparatus for simultaneously charging variably predeterminedquantities of ilowable material in-to a plurality of receptacles, saidapparatus comprising a housing including a bore therein, and a series ofcylinders secured to said housing, eachof said cylinder-s having apiston movable lengthwise therein, said bore having a series of groupsof ports in the Wall thereof, one of said groups of ports beingassociated with each of said cylinders and each of said groups includinga -frst port communicating with a source of ilowable material, a secondport communicating with one of said cylinders, and a discharge port, yatleast two valve elements disposed within said bore and each having asurface adapted for engagement with the wall of said bore, one of saidelements having a series of passageways therein with one passageway lforeach gro-up of ports, and being selectively movable to connect saidpassageways between said second ports and said rst ports during movementof said pistons in one direction so as to permit entry of a charge ofiowable material into each of said cylinders and to connect saidpassageways between said second ports and said discharge ports duringmovement of said pis-tons in the other direction so as rto permitdischarge of the charge of material in each of said cylinders,inflatable means confined intermediate said elements inwardly of thebore wit-h respect. to said surfaces, means for supplying pressure fluid`to said inflatable means so as to urge said surfaces of said elementsinto sealing engagement with the wall of said bore, and a powermechanism operably connected to said pistons and said one valve element.

3. Apparatus for simultaneously charging variably predeterminedquantities of flowable material into -a plurality of receptacles, saidapparatus comprising a housing including a bore therein, and a :seriesof cylinders secured to said housing, each of said cylinders having apiston movable lengthwise therein, said bore having a series of groupsof ports in 'the wall thereof, one of said groups of ports beingassociated with each of said cylinders and each of said groups includingya first port communicating with a source of flowable material, a secondport communicating with one of said cylinders, and a discharge port, atleast two valve elements disposed within said bore and each having asurface adapted for engagement with the wall of said bore, one of saidelements having a series of passageways therein with one passageway foreach group of ports, and being selectively movable to connect saidpassageways between said second ports .and said rst ports duringmovement of said pistons in one direction so as to permit entry of acharge of flowable material .into each of said cylinders and to connectsaid passageways between said second ports and said discharge po-rtsduring movement of said pistons in the other direction so as to permitdischarge of the charge of Imaterial in each of said cylinders,indiatable means confined intermediate said elements inwardly of thebore with respect to said surfaces, means for supplying pressure fluidto lsaid inilatable means so as to urge said surfaces of said elementsinto sealinglengagement with the wall of said bore, Iand -a powermechanism operably connected to said pistons and said one valve element,said power mechanism including power means `and a linkage connectingsaid power means `and said pistons, said linkage having a rst means formaking a common adjustment to the stroke of all of said pistons tothereby permit simultaneous variation in the quantity of owablemate-rial delivered by all of said pistons, and having a series ofsecond means for making .an individual adjustment to the stroke of eachof said pistons to thereby permit individual variation inthe quantity offlowable material delivered by each of said pistons.

4. Apparatus for simultaneously charging predetermined quantities offlowable material into a plurality of receptacles, said apparatuscomprising a housing having a cylindrical bore therein and a series oflongitudinally spaced groups of ports in the wall of said bore, each ofsaid groups of ports including in angularly spaced relationship, anintake port communicating with a source of --fiowable material, adischarge port `and .a third p-ort, -a series of cylinders supported bysaid housing, one of said cylinders communicating with each of saidthird ports, and each of said cylinders having a piston movable length-Wise therein, three elongated valve elements disposed lengthwise withinsaid bore, each of said valve elements being fabricated of a plasticmaterial having resilient surface and self-lubricating characteristics,one of said valve elements having end portions of circular cr-osssection and an elongated central portion of generally half-round crosssection, said central portion having one flat surface, a curved surfaceconcentric with :said end portions and adapted for engagement with thewall of said bore, and .a series of passageways therein opening intosaid curved surface, with one passageway for each group of ports, theother two of sai-d valve elements each being generally of quarter-roundcross section and having a curved surface and two side surfaces, each ofsaid two valve elements being confined, when :in said bore, between saidend portions of said one valve element in generally parallel alignmentwith said cent-ral portion of said one valve element, yand with theircurved surfaces disposed for engagement with the wall of said bore, saidone valve element and said two valve element-s having cooperating meansto maintain their generally parallel alignment with one another duringassembly thereof within said bore, each of said two valve elementshaving -a lengthwise notch 4at the apex of its side surfaces to dene,together with the -at surf-ace of said one valve element, an axialcavity between said valve elements, a ller disposed in said cavity alongthe Wall opposite from said flat surface of said one valve element, anelongated inilatab-le tube located within said cavity between said llerand said at surface of said one valve element, means for supplyingpressure fluid to said tube through one of said end portions of said onevalve element so `as to urge said curved surfaces of said valve elementsinto sealing engagement with the Wall of said bore, means forpositioning the receptacles in relation to said discharge ports forreceipt of a charge of -flowable material, and .a power mechanismoperably connected to said pistons and said one valve element, saidpower mechanism including power means, a linkage connecting said powermeans with said pistons, and a connection between said power means .andthe other end portion of .said one v-alve element for selectivelyrotating said valve elements to connect said passageways between saidthird ports and said intake ports to connect each of said cylinders to asource of the flowable material to permit entry therein of a chargethereof during movement of said pistons in one direction, and to connectsaid passageways rbetween said third ports and said discharge portsduring movement of said pistons in the other direction.

References Cited by the Examiner UNlTED STATES PATENTS 1,346,948 7/1920Freedman 141-244 X 1,401,150 12/1921 Geyer 141-242 X 1,993,367 3/1935`Geyer 141-242 X 2,037,691 4/1936 Baldwin 141-242 2,529,457 11/1950Nilsson 222-445 X 2,757,844 l8/ 1956 Greissmann 141-191 X 2,761,6059/1956 Pahl et al 141-293 X 2,850,051 9/ 195 8 Rasmusson 141-242 X OTHERREFERENCES Dyson, C. W.: Practical Marine Engineering, New York, MarineEngineering, page 472, FIGURE 327, VM- 600D8.

LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner.

E. EARLS, Assstarut Examiner.

1. APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY CHANGING VARIABLY PREDETERMINEDQUANTITIES OF FLOWABLE MATERIAL INTO A PLURALITY OF RECEPTACLES, SAIDAPPARATUS COMPRISING A HOUSING INCLUDING A BORE THEREIN, AND A SERIES OFCYLINDERS SECURED TO SAID HOUSING, EACH OF SAID CYLINDERS HAVING APISTON MOVABLE LENGTHWISE THEREIN, SAID BORE HAVING A SERIES OF GROUPSOF PORTS IN THE WALL THEREOF, ONE OF SAID GROUPS OF PORTS BEINGASSOCIATED WITH EACH OF SAID CYLINDERS AND EACH OF SAID GROUPS INCLUDINGA FIRST COMMUNICATING WITH A SOURCE OF FLOWABLE MATERIAL, A SECOND PORTCOMMUNICATING WITH ONE OF SAID CYLINDERS, AND A DISCHARGE PORT, AT LEASTTWO VALVE ELEMENTS DISPOSED WITHIN SAID BORE AND EACH HAVING A SURFACEADAPTED FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WALL OF SAID BORE, ONE OF SAID ELEMENTSHAVING A SERIES OF PASSAGEWAYS THEREIN WITH ONE PASSAGEWAY FOR EACHGROUP OF PORTS, AND BEING SELECTIVELY MOVABLE TO CONNECT SAIDPASSAGEWAYS BETWEEN SAID SECOND PORTS AND SAID FIRST PORTS DURINGMOVEMENT OF SAID PISTONS IN ONE DIRECTION SO AS TO PERMIT ENTRY OF ACHARGE OF FLOWABLE MATERIAL INTO EACH OF SAID CYLINDERS AND TO CONNECTSAID PASSAGEWAYS BETWEEN SAID SECOND PORTS AND SAID DISCHARGE PORTSDURING MOVEMENT OF SAID PISTONS IN THE OTHER DIRECTION SO AS TO PERMITDISCHARGE OF THE CHARGE OF MATERIAL IN EACH OF SAID CYLINDERS, MEANSCONFINED INTERMEDIATE OF SAID ELEMENTS INWARDLY OF THE BORE WITH RESPECTTO SAID SURFACES EFFECTIVE TO URGE SAID SURFACES OF SAID ELEMENTS INTOSEALING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WALL OF SAID BORE, AND A POWER MECHANISMOPERABLY CONNECTED TO SAID PISTONS AND SAID ONE VALVE ELEMENT.